Find the Age of Your Rolex Watch

Determining the production year of a Rolex watch can be done with reasonable accuracy by decoding its serial number. This unique identifier, engraved on the case or rehaut depending on the model's age, serves as a timestamp that corresponds to a specific manufacturing period. By referencing the serial number against an official Rolex serial number chart, collectors and enthusiasts can estimate the watch’s year of origin. This method is especially useful for vintage models, where original documentation may be missing or incomplete.

Rolex Engraved Serial Number
How to Find and Decode a Rolex Serial Number

1. Locate the Serial Number

  • Pre-2005 Models: Between the lugs at the 6 o’clock position (you’ll need to remove the bracelet).
  • Post-2005 Models: Engraved on the rehaut (the inner bezel between the dial and crystal).
  • Post-2010 Models: Rolex started using random serial numbers, making dating more difficult without paperwork.

2. Use a Serial Number Chart

Each number corresponds to a specific manufacturing year, allowing collectors and enthusiasts to determine the age of their timepiece. Over the years, Rolex has evolved its serial numbering system from purely numeric sequences to letter prefixes and, more recently, to random alphanumeric combinations.

Below is a chart showing the letters and their corresponding manufacture year.

Note on Random Serial Numbers: After approximately 2010, Rolex transitioned to a "Random Serial Number" system. These serials consist of a mix of letters and numbers that do not follow a sequential pattern, making it impossible to determine the exact manufacturing year based on the serial number alone. For these watches, you often need to refer to the watch's original papers for precise dating.